KAWARTHA LAKES-Invest Kawartha announced seven local not-for-profits have received grants through the newly developed LEAP Program, https://www.investkawartha.ca/leap. LEAP provides financial support to non-profit organizations. In its inaugural year LEAP distributed over $90,000 to seven projects with grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.
“LEAP has been designed to strengthen Kawartha Lakes and its surrounding communities” says Vince Killen, Executive Director at Invest Kawartha. “The program supports strategic community projects, social innovation, and NFPs by building capacity to design and scale initiatives. These new projects are a great example of the impact programs like LEAP can have to nurture non-profits, amplify impact and elevate our local community.”
LEAP is an acronym that represents the mission and goals of the program:
- Locally based support for NFPs
- Empowering projects through local and regional economic development
- Access to Capital, Talent, Resources and Business Advisory services
- Projects that are incremental, scalable, and results-driven
The 2024 LEAP Program recipients are:
1. Bobcaygeon Legion Branch 239 – Facility improvements to the legion banquet hall to increase community usage and access, including a new Remembrance Wall.
2. Globus Theatre – New equipment and technology to support sustainability and growth – a new POS system and cloud based CRM software to support marketing and event management
3. Grove Theatre – Support for marketing and advertising costs, permanent signage and regional marketing initiatives to increase attendance and brand awareness
4. Lindsay Agricultural Society – Funding to support strategic planning development initiatives in the upcoming years
5. Lindsay Lawn Bowling Club – Funding to obtain a weatherproof sound system/public announcement system for their facility significantly improving communication during public events
6. Ottawa Huron Tract History Association – Funding to design, develop and host a Heritage Stories Festival in August 2024 in Lindsay, includes exhibits on historical buildings, local artist showcases, and various writing and photo contests alongside other activities
7. Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce – Funding to purchase and support 5 new GPS enabled bicycles across the city as part of their ongoing bikeshare program, contributing to the vibrancy of the community
The intake for 2024 is now closed and will reopen later next year.
